Rhapsody in Bule-original jazz band version, etc : Richman / Harmonie Ensemble New York, Mayorga(P)Gallodoro(Cl, Sax)

Symphonic Gershwin
GERSHWIN, By Grofe Original Orchestrations & Arrangements

Rhapsody in Blue (original 'jazz band' 1924 version made by Grofe from the piano part as Gershwin composed)
I got Rhythm Variations for Piano & Orchestra (original orchestration)
Yankee Doodle Blues (two versions, the second on a 1909 Edison Fireside phonograph using a wax cylinder and acoustic horn!)
The Man I Love (1st recording of this arrangement)
That Certain Feeling
Somebody Loves Me
Sweet and Low-down
I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise
Fascinating Rhythm
Summertime

Lincoln Mayorga, piano
Al Gallodoro, clarinet & saxophone
Harmonie Ensemble New York / Steven Richman, conductor

Recorded 2006, 2007

In this swinging set of symphonic jazz, Steven Richman and the GRAMMYR nominated Harmonie Ensemble New York perform a fascinating selection of music by George Gershwin. In addition to a reconstruction of Gershwin’s own 1934 orchestration of the I Got Rhythm Variations, Richman offers several orchestrations penned by composer and arranger Ferde Grofe in the 1920’s for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra.
The disc’s main event is a red-hot performance of the original jazz band version of the immortal Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Lincoln Mayorga. The famous clarinet solo is played by the late, great Al Gallodoro, who was in his late nineties when the recording was made. Gallodoro played clarinet in the Whiteman Orchestra and can claim the distinction of having the world’s record for the most performances of the work’s iconic slide (over 10,000 times).
Also included are a selection of Gershwin’s Broadway tunes including Summertime in a beautiful reading by Gallodoro and Mayorga, but the album’s special gem is a reading of The Yankee Doodle Blues, recorded by the Harmonie Ensemble New York on a wax cylinder (!) using a 1909 Edison Fireside phonograph. ( harmonia mundi )